Is Hoedspruit the new Hollywood of SA?
With the recent arrival of international film crews, including global superstar Chris Pratt filming scenes for the upcoming season of the Amazon Prime Video series The Terminal List, Hoedspruit's name is quickly becoming synonymous with blockbuster productions and star-studded visits.
'It's not a secret, but we're asked not to share the exact location while filming is still underway,' says Annie van den Berg, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Wildlife Properties. 'But yes, they're here—and it's not the first time film crews have graced our landscapes…'
Hoedspruit has already hosted a growing list of international productions, including I Am a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (an Australian reality TV show), The German Bachelor, Holiday in the Wild featuring Rob Louw, Mission: Impossible 8 starring Tom Cruise, the acclaimed short film Cry My Beloved Country (2023), and the documentary Secret Creatures (2024).
According to van den Berg, these film crews and celebrities aren't just flying in and out—they're living in Hoedspruit for the duration of production. 'We handle the accommodation side, including the rentals for housing the crew, chefs, stars, and support staff, while the filming takes place out in the bush or on custom-built sets.'
Though film crews receive discounted rates, the rentals still fetch higher than average returns due to short-term, per-person nightly billing. 'Romano Pieterse from our office had a record-earning month thanks to managing these high-profile rentals,' van den Berg shares.
More than just a short-term economic boost, the exposure from these productions is driving lasting benefits for the local property market.
'Hoedspruit is fast gaining traction as a premier destination—not just for tourism, but for real estate investment too,' says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. 'The consistent presence of international film crews elevates the town's profile, showcasing its natural beauty to a global audience. This kind of spotlight often leads to increased demand for both short-term rentals and long-term property ownership.'
It's not just investors taking notice. Many A-list visitors are extending their stays post-shoot, inviting family to experience the magic of an African safari. 'More and more celebrities are making Hoedspruit one of their preferred global destinations,' says van den Berg. 'And when they leave, they take the magic of this place with them—often recommending it to others.'
With its blend of stardust and savannah, Hoedspruit may just be the rising star of South African real estate. If you're looking to rub shoulders with celebrities or invest in the next big thing—this might be your sign to add Hoedspruit to your house hunting list.
Issued by Kayla Ferguson
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